Byline: Captain SA

Phegelelo Hloka, a 21-year-old Nail Technician from Tembisa, was crowned Miss Rabie Ridge Public Choice Winner at the Mr. and Miss Rabie Ridge 2024 pageant. Growing up with a passion for modeling and designing clothes, she found her inspiration to enter the pageant in the hope of growing as a model, gaining experience, mastering public speaking, and—most importantly—having fun. Her journey reflects determination and resilience in the face of challenges, particularly with public choice votes and selling tickets. Despite having to fund tickets herself, she successfully overcame these obstacles and won the prestigious Public Choice award. #PerseverancePaysOff #MissRabieRidge2024

Phegelelo believes that her role as queen is not merely about showcasing her talent, intelligence, or personality. Rather, it is about upholding responsibilities that cultivate respect and character. To her, a true queen should be approachable to people of all ages, groups, and genders. She embodies determination, discipline, and dedication, striving to inspire and groom other young girls to believe in themselves and pursue their passions. #QueenWithAPurpose #EmpowermentThroughLeadership

Currently, Phegelelo volunteers at the Youth Crime Prevention Desk (YCDP), a program focused on helping young men and women overcome challenges such as drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and gender-based violence. She is passionate about bringing change to the youth and making the world a better place by offering guidance and support. #YouthAgainstCrime #ChangeMakers

Having participated in several pageants, Phegelelo has not only mastered the “pageant language” but also gained valuable experience. She believes these lessons will give her an edge when she competes in national pageants next year. Her advice to aspiring models is clear: “Dreams delayed are never denied.” Phegelelo emphasizes that success in pageantry is not about winning a title but about having fun and gaining experience. She encourages others to bring their best, remain positive, and never allow failure to define their worth. #DreamsDelayedNeverDenied #FunAndExperience

Looking to the future, Phegelelo has ambitious goals. She aspires to become a modeling mentor and coach and dreams of running an NGO called Young Mind Drive. This organization will focus on grooming young boys and girls, providing them with a safe environment to learn modeling, art, dancing, drawing, reading, writing, and sewing. She hopes to shape future generations and inspire creativity among youth. #YoungMindDrive #MentoringTheFuture

Phegelelo draws inspiration from her mother and little brother. She credits her mother for shaping her into the strong, responsible, and independent woman she is today. “My mom played both the role of a mother and a father, and I am forever grateful for the impact she’s had on my life,” she says. Her family’s unwavering support motivates her to keep pushing forward. #FamilyLove #UnwaveringSupport

As Phegelelo continues her journey, she remains committed to living a life that fills her with genuine happiness and fulfillment. Her message is simple but powerful: “Let’s stand together and fight crime. Believe in yourself, and you will succeed.” #FightCrimeTogether #BelieveAndAchieve